Whistler picks China Canada Gateway projects

At least three projects to be chosen for development

The Whistler Film Festival has announced the 12 projects that will participate in its inaugural China Canada Gateway for Film Script Competition, a pitch event aimed at introducing experienced writer-producer teams to Chinese studios with up to $15 million up for grabs.

The average budget of the participating projects is around $5 million, and a minimum of three projects will be chosen for development in the first year. Whistler is not involved in any deal-making, its role confined to facilitating the competish and related events.

Chinese production execs at the pitch table will include Wuxi Studios’ Lifeng Wang (who also represents Xing Xing), Beijing Hairun Pictures’ producer and director of international cooperation Victoria Hon, and Galloping Horse vice-chair and chair of Digital Domain Ivy Zhong.

“China offers a new source of production financing and distribution opportunities for Canadian filmmakers. However, up until now, it’s been a difficult market for Canadians to penetrate,” said Whistler managing director Jane Milner in a statement. “By leveraging our efforts and the trust we have built, Canadian writer/producer teams can benefit from WFF’s formal introduction to Chinese production houses looking for experienced storytellers.”

“Developing the Chinese market is a key component of our corporate strategy to build audiences for Canadian productions and to stimulate private financing,” added Sheila de la Varende, director of industry promotion for Telefilm Canada, a founding partner of the initiative. “We are delighted to see such a high interest from our producers and writers from coast to coast.”